Abstract: The present invention provides alternative scroll-type yarn feed attachments for tufting machines characterized by independent servo-motor control of sets of yarn feed rolls, and a software design system to facilitate use of the attachment to produce novel patterns and photo images.

Abstract: A variable-draft vessel. The variable-draft vessel including a center hull; a first side hull coupled to a first side of the center hull; a second side hull coupled to a second side of the center hull; and at least one cross support coupling the first and second side hulls, wherein the center hull is configured to be vertically translated with respect to the first and second side hulls.

Abstract: A deck drain replacement/repair assembly for marine vessels, and a method for repairing or replacing a drain strainer, are provided. A flanged retaining ring and a flanged drain strainer are provided, with the retaining ring being sized such that the flange thereof seats on a step present within a drain basket secured into the deck. The retaining ring is positioned by the flange, and is then secured to the drain basket. The drain strainer is then positioned atop the retaining ring and secured thereto with screws.

Abstract: A marine vessel cleaning assembly (1) comprising cleaning means (5, 6) and displacement means (17a, 17b) supported on a framework (18) for location under the water, the cleaning means comprising a pair of brushes (5, 6) rotatably mounted on a pair of arms (3, 4) which are pivotable about a submerged axis (A—A). In use the brushes are caused to rotate and contact fouling on the hull of the vessel and are pivoted generally upwardly and downwardly of the hull, the vessel being conveyed with respect to the pivotal axis of the arms (3, 4) so that the entire hull of the floating vessel may be cleaned. The inventive cleaning assembly advantageously eliminates the significant financial costs associated with arranging for a marine vessel to remain on hard-standing and also reduces the time required to clean the hull of a marine vessel.

Abstract: A deflector device for use with a tow line between a seismic survey vessel and a tow, in particular a streamer or streamer array, in the water behind the vessel comprises a vertically oriented wing-shaped body for producing a sideways force as it is towed through the water, and a towing bridle adapted to connect the wing-shaped body to the tow line. The bridle comprises first and second connecting elements connected between the tow line and respective longitudinally-spaced points along the high pressure side of the wing-shaped body. The wing-shaped body includes one or more buoyancy elements to render it slightly positively buoyant, and the length of at least one of the connecting elements is adjustable by remote contol in order to tilt the wing-shaped body. This gives the sideways force a vertical component, and so allows remote control of the depth of the deflector device, as well as its lateral offset from the vessel.

Abstract: Improved systems and methods for transporting fluids in containers are provided. Such improved systems and methods include floatable container vessels having one or more fluid containers and self-propelled marine transportation vessels that are adapted to be ballasted downwardly to permit the floatable container vessels to be floated onto or off of the marine transportation vessels, and are adapted to be deballasted so as to raise the floatable container vessels out of the water for transportation to another location.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a prefabricated boat consisting of a reinforced plastic boat body (1), and a rubber tube (2) detachably attached along each side of the body (1) to give buoyancy to the body (1). The sides of the boat body (1) each have a longitudinal guide groove (4) designed such that the tubes (2) are closely attached to the body (1) with enlarged contact surfaces between the tubes (2) and the body (1). Upper and lower brackets (6), each having a fitting groove (5), are formed along the upper and lower edges of each guide groove (4). Each tube (2) has two slidable fittings (7) engaging with the fitting grooves (5) of the two brackets (6). This boat thus minimizes hydraulic impact energy applied to the tubes (2) during a voyage, thus improving its sailing stability and cruising power as well as increasing its mileage.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein apparatus and methods for protecting ships and harbors from attack from other vessels. A barrier, fence or obstruction is constructed around the ship or harbor to be defended, either floating on the surface above and/or beneath the surface of the water. When a boat attempts to force its way through the barrier, the barrier uses the momentum of the vessel against itself by using the forward momentum of the attacking vessel in such a manner as to divert, impede, stop, damage or destroy the vessel or mitigate a blast from a vessel. The barrier may be active or passive. Also, a constructed wall of water can be provided to stop, destroy or disable a vessel attempting to go through the wall.

Abstract: An irreversible humidity indicator card comprising an intermediate carrier member containing one or more holes, a clear, water vapor permeable first outer layer secured to the first side of the carrier member, a deliquescent material contained within the holes in the carrier member, a dark colored, absorbent sheet material secured to the back side of the carrier member to cover the holes in the carrier member and a second outer layer which covers the colored absorbent sheet material and a portion or all of the back side of the intermediate carrier member.

Abstract: To provide an apparatus for forming a deposited film, which is a parallel plate electrode type CVD apparatus, with a discharge vessel receiving a material gas flowing therein and discharging air therefrom, decomposing the material gas by the aid of a plasma generated therein, and depositing the film on the substrate, in which the exhaust port of the material gas exhaust means has an opening wider in the lateral direction than the parallel plate electrode. This structure diminishes the stagnant region of the material gas during the deposited film forming process and controls formation of by-products, to deposit the film uniform in quality and thickness.

Abstract: An accessory for wild birds is formed from a plurality of ceramic clay flowerpots disposed in preselected relation to each other. The accessory includes a receptacle formed from a ceramic flowerpot. The receptacle has a first end and a second end and a continuous side wall of the receptacle extends between the first end and the second end of the receptacle. The continuous side wall defines a plurality of openings of preselected sizes disposed at preselected positions. At least one of a top and a bottom formed of a ceramic clay flowerpot are positioned coaxially and adjacent to at least one of the first end and the second end of the receptacle.

Abstract: A system that compares, ranks, sorts and grades animals or carcasses into groups of like kinds according to previously determined predicted maximum values. For live animals, the system uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on a single occasion to evaluate the animal and determine a number of days the animal must be fed to reach a maximum value. For carcasses, the system evaluates the carcass to grade the quality and quantity of meat the carcass will provide. The system also combines MRI imaging with a three-dimensional system to refine the number of days remaining for the animal to reach a maximum value, and the system, when used in a feedlot, will direct the animal to a feed pen based on the number of days remaining for the animal to reach maximum value.

Abstract: A portable instant water heater. Water is delivered to a base unit of the instant hot water heater by a pump that draws water from a reservoir through a flow control valve. The water flows into a pre-heater that wraps around a base of the burner and that is heated by the burner. Water is heated in a heat exchanger and then exits the base unit through an outlet spout that swings out from the base unit to dispense water and that may be stored and locked into position in a handle for the base unit. The flow control valve may lower the flow of water through the heat exchanger, so the water has more time to absorb heat and to get hotter. The base unit includes a single control knob that turns on the pump and the burner and operates the flow control valve.

Abstract: A water heater control system that prevents the accumulation and accidental ignition of dangerous quantities of unwanted flammable vapors. The system intermittently generates a spark at a predetermined interval such that if unwanted flammable vapors are present, they are burned in a controlled manner. The system obviates the need for flammable vapor sensors.

Abstract: A link mechanism of an engine includes: an upper link having a first end connected to a piston pin of a piston; a lower link connected to the upper link via an upper pin having a center, the lower link being connected to a crank pin of a crank shaft; a control shaft extending substantially in parallel with the crank shaft, the control shaft having a rotational center; and a control link including: a first end swingably connected to the control shaft, and a second end connected to the lower link. In a process of the center of the upper pin moving nearer to the axial line of the piston pin, the center of the control pin moves in the upward direction, thus inclining the lower link and allowing the center of the upper pin and the center of the piston pin to move in the downward direction.

Abstract: Intake air/exhaust gas flow control is performed in an partial load range of an engine such that burned gas which is discharged from an exhaust stroke side preceding cylinder of a pair of cylinders having an overlapping exhaust stroke and intake stroke is introduced into an intake stroke side following cylinder through an intercylinder gas channel. In an operating range set as a special operation mode, a combustion condition controller executes control such that combustion is performed in the following cylinder by means of compression ignition. In an operating condition in which knocking is likely to occur within the compression ignition range of the following cylinder, control is executed by a fuel injection controller such that the timing of fuel injection into the following cylinder is retarded relative to that of an operating condition in which knocking is unlikely to occur.

Abstract: A control arm clamp and shaft assembly for fine adjustment of angular position of the clamp on the shaft. An adjustment bolt and nut includes a socket head located eccentrically relative to the centerline of the bolt shaft so that the bolt head can function as a cam lobe when the bolt is turned. The control arm clamp includes a primary shaft clamping means. The shaft has a diametric bore. The control arm clamp has an axially-slotted opening into which the bolt head fits and engages opposing walls of the opening. When the primary clamping means is loosened, rotation of the adjustment bolt head against the opening wall causes an angular rotation of the control arm relative to the shaft. After the control arm is repositioned, the primary clamp is retightened and the adjustment bolt nut is tightened. The adjustment bolt may also take the form of a removable pin.

Abstract: A variable valve operating system for a two-bank engine includes a variable valve-lift and working-angle control mechanism changing at least one of a valve lift and a working angle of each of engine valves arranged in each of cylinder banks, and two variable valve timing control mechanisms provided for each of the banks for changing valve timings independently of each other. A control unit responds a failure in one of the variable valve timing control mechanisms for failsafe purposes. The control unit includes a failsafe section capable of executing a failsafe operating mode in which at least one of the valve lift and the working angle of each of engine valves is increasingly compensated for by the variable valve-lift and working-angle control mechanism, when the one variable valve timing control mechanism is failed.

Abstract: An engine includes an engine body that defines first and second banks arranged in a V-shape. A crankshaft extends within the engine body. First and second camshafts extend within the first bank, and third and fourth camshafts extend within the second bank. The first, second, third and fourth camshafts are generally disposed parallel to each other and parallel to the crankshaft. The first and third camshafts are placed next to each other. A first flexible transmitter surrounds the crankshaft and the first and third camshafts. The crankshaft drives the first and third camshafts through the first transmitter. A second flexible transmitter surrounds the second and fourth camshafts and either the first or third camshaft. The first or third camshaft drives the second and fourth camshafts through the second transmitter. The engine also includes VVT mechanisms to change an angular position of the camshafts relative to the crankshaft. The VVT mechanisms are disposed at the camshafts.

Abstract: A valve timing control apparatus for an internal combustion engine is provided which is designed to ensure the drivability of the engine in the event of failure in operation of a variable valve timing control system made up of intake and exhaust side variable valve timing control mechanisms. If one of intake and exhaust side variable valve timing control mechanism has failed, the control apparatus actuates the other variable valve timing control mechanism to control the timing of opening and closing of a corresponding one of intake and exhaust valves so as to decrease an amount of overlap between the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanism for controlling the intake valve of an internal combustion engine, which mechanism is capable of consuming less energy, i.e. less oil. Through uniquely designed cam and rocker as well as joining mechanism joining the rocker and the stopper, this mechanism does not incur the spring resistance as opening the intake valve, thus the engine per se does not additionally consume energy, so that the object of reducing oil cost and promoting power output may be achieved.

Abstract: In a starting control system for an internal combustion engine, an output shaft is rotated in a reverse direction at a predetermined direction upon start of the internal combustion engine, and then is rotated in a normal direction so as to start a cranking operation. The system serves to combust the fuel in a cylinder in an expansion stroke when the output shaft is rotated in the reverse direction, and the resultant combustion pressure is used for performing the cranking operation. This makes it possible to reduce the load exerted to the electric motor.

Abstract: A engine control device includes a failure judgment means for making at least a failure judgment of an intake pipe pressure sensor. The failure judgment means includes a first data processing for outputting an estimated intake pipe pressure signal, a second data processing for outputting a modification estimated intake pipe pressure signal in which the estimated intake pipe pressure signal is modified, and a failure judgment processing for making a failure judgment of at least the intake pipe pressure sensor by comparing the measured intake pipe pressure signal with the modification estimated intake pipe pressure signal. The modification estimated intake pipe pressure signal has a change portion changing between a change portion of the estimated intake pipe pressure signal and a change portion of the measured intake pipe pressure signal, when the throttle valve opening degree is changed.

Abstract: An intake duct 1 is provided, particularly for taking air in an internal combustion engine, notably the engine of an automobile. The duct includes a first wall 2 made of a porous material, wherein a film 4 is implemented which is sufficiently thin for avoiding any incidence upon the acoustical characteristics, having notably a surface mass of less than 100 grams per square meter. The film 4 is fixed onto the porous wall 2 such that at least 50% of the surface of the film facing the porous wall 2 is not fixed thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piston for a diesel engine comprising a combustion cavity. The piston crown and the cavity are plasma-sprayed with a coating. The aim of the invention is to produce the coating in a cost-effective manner. To achieve this, the layer thickness of the coating is uneven, being thicker in the border region of the cavity.

Abstract: In order to provide a four-stroke internal combustion engine (100) having a control chamber (16) and a cylinder (14), provided with at least one intake valve (12) and at least one exhaust valve, which has a crankshaft chamber (22) formed by a crankcase (26), in which a connecting rod (24) connected to the reciprocating piston (18) drives a mounted crankshaft (28), having an ignition device and having a supply device (30) for an air-fuel mixture, which is connected on one side via a connection line (32) to the control chamber (16) and on the other side in the flow direction (54) of the air-fuel mixture to the piston chamber (20) via a throttle device (34) positioned in a mixture intake port (36) and via a mixture supply line (38), which is connected via a non-return valve (40a) to the crankshaft chamber (22), and having an overflow channel (44) between the crankshaft chamber (22) and control chamber (16), in which a camshaft (46) is positioned for controlling the intake and exhaust valves (10, 12), which allow

Abstract: In a fuel cut-off device for an engine in which one of a plurality of generating coils of a generator is connected to a normally-opened type solenoid valve adapted to block a fuel passage in a carburetor upon energization of the solenoid valve through an engine control switch adapted to be operated to a turned-off position and a turned-on position so that the solenoid valve can be energized from the one generating coil in the turned-off position of the switch, an output from the one generating coil is supplied to an electric load in the turned-on position of the engine control switch, together with outputs from the other generating coils. Thus, during operation of the engine, also the output from the one generating coil conventionally prepared for cutting off fuel is effectively supplied to the electric load, together with the outputs from the other generating coils, whereby the generating performance of the generator can be enhanced.

Abstract: An apparatus that can be utilized as an internal combustion engine, a compressor, a pump or the like has an indexer which defines a plurality of slots. A pinwheel has a plurality of pins which, when the pinwheel and the indexer are rotated, engaged a respective slot to form a compression chamber. As rotation of these two components continues, each pin sequentially engages a slot to continuously form compression chambers.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for internal combustion engines having a fuel injector that injects fuel into a combustion chamber, which is delimited by a cylinder wall in which a piston is guided, and having a spark plug that projects into the combustion chamber, the fuel injector injecting a plurality of injection jets into the combustion chamber. The injection jets generate a cone-shaped mixture cloud having an elliptical cross-section in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is a variable tumble flow-generating device. The device comprises a bulkhead for dividing an intake port into a first passage and a second passage, an opening degree control valve for selectively changing an opening degree of the first and second passages; and a drive for operating the opening angle control valve. The variable tumble flow-generating device can generate tumble flow by making air flowing through different passages while minimizing a flow resistance of air supplied into the combustion chamber, utilizing a simple structure limiting installation space in relation with other parts. The variable tumble flow-generating device is manufactured by adding only a structure where the bulkhead is previously assembled with the intake port core of the prior art. For this reason, this is a simple structure is manufactured inexpensively.

Abstract: When an air excess rate is controlled to be reduced based upon an early activation demand of an exhaust gas purification apparatus or a regeneration demand of NOx trap catalyst at a state immediately after an engine has started from at a cold condition, a fuel injection state (injection timing of a main injection, a pilot injection quantity, an injection pressure and so on) from a fuel injection valve is variably controlled so that a crank angle position where a heat generation rate is maximized is kept constant, thereby stabilizing a combustion and preventing combustion fluctuations.

Abstract: A method of controlling torque output of an engine including receiving an acceleration pedal position signal and receiving an engine speed signal. The method also includes calculating a modified engine speed signal as a function of the engine speed signal and the acceleration pedal position signal. The method further includes requesting engine output torque as a function of the acceleration pedal position signal and the modified engine speed signal.

Abstract: Multi-cylinder stationary internal combustion engine (1)—in particular a gas otto engine—with at least one throttle valve (13) and with at least one compressor (15)—in particular turbo-supercharger—for driving at least one generator (3) for the production of electric current or for driving at least one other consumer of mechanical energy, the internal combustion engine (1) containing a regulator (10) which, for the shedding of load, sets the throttle valve (13) to a permissible minimum-closure position which differs from the completely closed position and disconnects at least one cylinder (9) in order to prevent overspeed.

Abstract: The invention provides such a knock control apparatus or method for an internal combustion engine as is capable of suitably avoiding an erroneous determination on the occurrence of knocking and controlling knocking. This control apparatus comprises a knock determiner, a controller, and a setter. If an intensity of engine oscillation detected during a predetermined knock determination period is equal to or higher than a predetermined knock determination level, the knock determiner determines that knocking has occurred. The controller controls an ignition timing on the basis of a result of the determination. The setter sets an end timing of the knock determination period at an advanced timing on the basis of the ignition timing retardation amount in the retardation control.

Abstract: A fuel injector arrangement comprising a nozzle provided with a first bore within which a valve needle is slidable, the needle being engageable with a seating to control the flow of fuel from a delivery chamber to an outlet opening. The arrangement includes a surface associated with the needle which is exposed to the fuel pressure within a control chamber, and a fuel pressure actuable control valve controlling the supply of fuel to the delivery chamber.

Abstract: A fuel-injection system for the injection of fuel into an internal combustion engine includes at least one fuel injector and a fuel-distributor line as well as for each fuel injector a corrugated-tube bellows, which is able to be connected to an inflow section of the fuel injector. Deformation-energy absorbing elastomeric material abuts with an initial stress against at least some sections of the corrugated-tube bellows.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling an internal combustion engine are described. The control time for a first partial injection is increased, starting out from a value of zero at which an injection does not occur. A variable that characterizes the ignition delay is measured, and a limit value of the control time is ascertained, at which the variable characterizing the ignition delay no longer substantially changes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for accurately predicting a fuel injector tip temperature (FITT) are described. One technique for predicting the temperature of a fuel injector tip in an engine suitably includes the steps of estimating an initial temperature of the fuel injector tip and calculating a steady state temperature of the fuel injector tip. A filter coefficient is determined as a function of a rate of airflow into the engine, and the temperature of the fuel injector tip is predicted as a function of said initial temperature, the steady state temperature, and the filter coefficient. In a further embodiment, the steady state temperature is filtered into a feedback temperature at a rate that is determined by the filter coefficient.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (10) is operated by a method wherein the fuel is supplied via a magnetic valve (28) having a coil (34). The injected fuel quantity is influenced by the duration of the drive of the magnetic valve (28). In the method, the temperature (evtmod) of a region (26) of the magnetic valve (28) is determined and the drive duration is corrected in dependence upon temperature. In order to make the correction still more precise, a temperature (evtmod) of the magnetic valve (28) is determined from at least one usually measured temperature (tans, tmot) and the drive duration (ti_tvu_w) is so corrected (tvsp_w) that the temperature dependency of the characteristics of the magnetic coil (34) of the magnetic valve (28) is considered. Furthermore, a model is suggested in which (starting from an operating temperature) the temperature trace is simulated after shut-off of the engine and/or for the restart of the engine by means of two factors for the warmup and cool down.

Abstract: An integrated fuel management system and method for controlling the fuel storage and delivery in a vehicle. The fuel management system includes a fuel storage tank for storing fuel in a vehicle, a vapor collection canister located within the fuel storage tank, a vent actuator coupled to the vapor collection canister for venting gas from the canister during a vent operation, and a purge actuator coupled to the canister for purging fuel vapor from the canister during a purge operation. A variable speed fuel pump is disposed within the fuel storage tank for delivering fuel to a fuel delivery line for an engine. The fuel management system has a controller provided in a module disposed in communication with the fuel for controlling the amount of fuel pumped with the variable speed fuel pump to deliver fuel to the fuel delivery line and further control the purge and vent actuators.

Abstract: An electronically controlled fuel injection device includes a plunger pump constituted by a cylinder, a plunger is slidably mounted within the cylinder to form a pressure chamber, and a solenoid coil for driving the plunger. At a lower section of a body that encases the plunger pump, an intake section is coupled to the pressure chamber to cause intake of fuel into the pressure chamber upon operation of the plunger. At an upper section of the body, a return section is arranged to return surplus fuel to a fuel tank. A circulation passage branches off from the intake section and is provided between the cylinder and the solenoid coil for guiding a portion of the fuel toward the return section. With this arrangement, penetration of vapor into the fuel injection device is suppressed, and an inexpensive and highly durable electronically controlled fuel injection device is provided.

Abstract: On the condition that a predetermined time has passed after an engine control unit stops its normal engine control operation when the ignition switch of a vehicle is turned off, the control unit can be supplied automatically with operating power to start up and execute an evaporation gas purging diagnosis process for detecting the leakage in the evaporation gas purge system of the vehicle. If the control unit determines that it has started up on the foregoing condition, it inhibits the operation of the electric loads of the vehicle that are needless for the evaporation gas purging diagnosis process. This reliably prevents wasteful power consumption, thereby preventing the battery of the vehicle from running down.

Abstract: An air fuel injection engine including an injector composed of a fuel injection valve for injecting fuel and an air fuel injection valve for directly injecting fuel together with compressed air into a combustion chamber and an injector housing for holding and securing the injector to an engine body. The injector is supported on a head cover, and at least part of a compressed air supply passage for supplying compressed air to the injector is provided directly in the head cover. Further, an injector housing is formed integrally with a head cover which forms part of an engine body. With this configuration, the scale of the engine, the complication of the structure around the engine, and the number of part required can be kept to a minimum.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided which has an exhaust gas turbocharger and an exhaust gas recirculation device and in which the distribution of recirculated exhaust among individual cylinders of the internal combustion engine is different, whereby a partial number of the cylinders of the internal combustion engine receives all or most of the recirculated exhaust, and the remaining cylinders receive little or none of the recirculated exhaust. The internal combustion engine is preferably embodied as a diesel engine for use in trucks.

Abstract: In variable operation intake valve controlling apparatus and method for an internal combustion engine, using both of a cam operational angle variable mechanism and a cam phase variable mechanism, a controller controls an intake air quantity in accordance with valve timings of the intake valve determined according to the operational angle through the cam operational angle variable mechanism and the phase through the cam phase variable mechanism, the controller determining an allowable residual gas quantity from a required air quantity and an engine speed, the required air quantity being determined according to a manipulated variable of an accelerator, calculating optimum intake valve open and closure timings (IVO and IVC) in such a manner that both of the required air quantity and the allowable residual gas quantity enter a cylinder of the engine, and determining the operational angle and the phase from the optimum intake valve open and closure timings.

Abstract: A lightweight, four stroke engine includes a crankcase enclosure and at least one piston assembly disposed within the crankcase enclosure. The piston assembly cooperates with the crankcase enclosure to provide an internal pressure to the crankcase enclosure which varies between a positive and a negative pressure. An air intake assembly is operatively coupled to a first section of the engine and the crankcase enclosure, the air intake assembly including at least one air conduit configured to provide non-combustive air flow from the first section of the engine to the crankcase enclosure of the engine. At least one valve is disposed within the air intake system, the valve being configured to restrict air flow from the crankcase enclosure when positively pressurized and to allow airflow into the crankcase enclosure when negatively pressurized.

Abstract: An ignition system includes an ignition coil, electronic control module that generates a signal, a distributor having a reluctor assembly, and an ignition module for receiving a signal from the electronic control module (ECM) and reluctor assembly. The ignition module includes a microprocessor for generating a control signal to the ignition coil and switching ON and OFF the primary current therein and reducing the duty cycle as applied to the control signal from the ignition module to the ignition coil.

Abstract: A device that improves ignition spark intensity with power transmitted at the time of ignition from a conventional plug cord for an internal combustion engine to an ignition plug is constituted so that counter electromotive force arising at the time of ignition of the ignition plug is stored as electrostatic energy and is discharged at the next ignition of the ignition plug and has positive and negative electrodes, the positive electrode being connected to or in contact with an internal combustion engine plug cord and the negative electrode being connected to or in contact with an internal combustion engine ground, thereby improving ignition spark intensity.

Abstract: An ignition coil cassette having bushings retained by an irregularity of the bushings being encased by epoxy. As a result, the process by which the bushings are installed into the ignition coil cassette avoids the cost associated with the overmolding installation process, and further avoids the potential for damage associated with the ultrasonic insertion process. The irregularity is located generally adjacent one end of each of the bushings and may be, for example, in the form of an undercut or a protrusion.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor deterioration diagnosis apparatus includes an oxygen sensor provided in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, an air-fuel ratio control unit for controlling an air-fuel ratio, an operation state detection unit for detecting an operation state of the internal combustion engine, an inversion period measurement unit for detecting an inversion period of an output signal of the oxygen sensor, an oxygen sensor deterioration diagnosis unit for performing a deterioration judgment by comparing the inversion period with a previously set judgment period, and a deterioration diagnosis inhibiting unit for inhibiting, when the operation state detection unit detects the operation state of the internal combustion engine having an influence on the inversion period, the measurement of the inversion period in a period of time of the detection.